I find the current odd twitter debate over if PHD non-MDs should get the honorrific prefix 'doctor,' particularly in news or formal contexts really very telling. First, 'doctor' meant 'teacher' (Latin, because ofc it is) long before it meant physician. It was ours first. 1/13
-
-
No, it is just this one honorific - Dr. - and only for its original holders, PhD academics which is under scrutiny. And I think that lays the rank anti-intellectualism of the enterprise bare. It is the cry of "if I can't understand your expertise, you must not have any." 8/13
Näytä tämä ketju -
Now, of course we're talking about formal and professional settings. Obviously, anyone I am on a first-name basis with isn't going to use any sort of honorific. No one demands honorifics hanging out at the bar, or lounging on the couch. 9/13
Näytä tämä ketju -
But to solve the etiquette question: in a situation/relationship where normally you would say Mr. or Ms., you should say/write Dr. for a PhD-haver. Just as Maj., or Fr., or Rev., or Rabbi or whatever. (I personally wish we'd bring back 'Master' for skilled craftspeople) 10/13
Näytä tämä ketju -
Now, I don't go by Dr. Bret Devereaux on twitter, or on my blog, in part because I don't see this as that kind of formal space. But also in part because - as a white dude with receding hair - quite frankly, I can get away with it. 11/13
Näytä tämä ketju -
Which is the other end of this thing. People look at my picture and - after processing the horror of it - *assume* I know what I'm talking about, because I look the part. But many learned Doctors don't get that benefit, and I think they are right to insist on the title. 12/13
Näytä tämä ketju -
They have earned it, and earned the respect it implies. So yes, PhD-havers are called 'Doctor.' By long and ancient custom. Unless you want to take a principled stand against *all* honorifics, you should keep to this one too. 13/13
Näytä tämä ketju
Keskustelun loppu
Uusi keskustelu -
-
-
I would contend the issue is confusion, actually. People aren't complaining about the respect, it's the implication of medical expertise when speaking on a medical issue (Covid). To the common man, "Doctor" implies physician. It has become the "new honorific" for physicians.
Kiitos. Käytämme tätä aikajanasi parantamiseen. KumoaKumoa
-
Lataaminen näyttää kestävän hetken.
Twitter saattaa olla ruuhkautunut tai ongelma on muuten hetkellinen. Yritä uudelleen tai käy Twitterin tilasivulla saadaksesi lisätietoja.